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Slow Cooker Butter Chicken: A Heartwarming Indian Delight

Butter chicken, or "Murgh Makhani" as it’s known in India, is a beloved dish that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many around the world. This creamy, aromatic curry, with its rich sauce, tender chicken, and delightful spices, is a staple in Indian cuisine. While traditional recipes may require a fair bit of time and effort in the kitchen, the slow cooker version offers a convenient and equally delicious alternative.

The Allure of Slow Cooking

Slow cookers have revolutionised the way we prepare meals, enabling us to create hearty dishes with minimal fuss. With this method, ingredients are allowed to meld together over an extended period, resulting in flavours that are deep, complex, and utterly satisfying. Perfect for busy families or anyone who loves to come home to the enticing aroma of a home-cooked meal, slow cooker butter chicken makes it easy to enjoy a taste of India without the stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make a sumptuous slow cooker butter chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

• For the chicken marinade:

  • 600g boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 150g plain yoghurt
  • 2 teaspoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the sauce:
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 400g tin of chopped tomatoes
  • 100g tomato purée
  • 200ml double cream or coconut milk
  • 50g unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
  • Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)

Method

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the yoghurt, garam masala, ground cumin, ground coriander, turmeric, paprika, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for maximum flavour.

2. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Once the chicken has marinated, pour the chopped onions into the bottom of your slow cooker. This will provide a lovely base for the sauce.

3. Combine Ingredients: Next, add the marinated chicken along with any remaining marinade to the slow cooker. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, and sugar. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.

4. Cook: Cover and set the slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process will render the chicken incredibly tender and allow the spices to infuse beautifully into the sauce.

5. Finish the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the double cream (or coconut milk) and the butter. Allow the sauce to heat through and thicken slightly.

6. Serve: Once the butter chicken is cooked to perfection, serve it hot, garnished with fresh coriander. It pairs wonderfully with fluffy basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Tips for the Perfect Butter Chicken

• Adjusting Spice Levels: The beauty of butter chicken lies in its versatility. Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference. For a milder dish, reduce the amount of garam masala or paprika.

• Vegetarian Version: To make a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with paneer or chickpeas. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as paneer requires less time to cook.

• Make It Ahead: This dish not only tastes amazing on the day it’s made but also tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.

In conclusion, slow cooker butter chicken is an easy, comforting dish that embodies the essence of Indian home cooking. With just a bit of preparation and your trusty slow cooker, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home. So, gather your ingredients, let the magic of slow cooking unfold, and indulge in this creamy delight tonight!

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